Despite the stature of Arsenal's opponents, the Arsenal boss said: “It’s our best chance no matter how big the chance is.

"We have to take it and have a go at them. I believe in these big games, in the first tie at home, we can’t be stupid.

“Many times we’ve won away and at home we have conceded. We have to find a good balance between defending and attacking.”

(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien)

(Image: Matthew Lewis/Getty)

(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Wenger has also backed Alexis Sanchez to rediscover his form as the ex-Barcelona striker has scored just once since returning last month from his injury lay-off.

Sanchez was poor when he came on as a substitute against Hull in the FA Cup. And Wenger admitted the forward was not in the right mindset in that game, but believes he will be fired up against his former club.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien)

(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

He said: “I don’t think he was completely ready to come on. It looked like that but he grows with the game does Sanchez.

"He has a game based on risk and when he’s completely highly tuned in, it becomes dangerous. Don’t worry about Tuesday , he will be tuned in.”